By Anayo Akwitti
The Nigerian Senate has called for immediate strengthening of the country’s public health emergency preparedness and response systems following the confirmation of a new COVID-19 case in Rivers State.
The motion, presented by Senator Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers West), was debated on the floor of the Senate and unanimously adopted as a matter of national importance.
Senator Banigo cited Section 19 of the 1999 Constitution, which places a duty on all tiers of government to safeguard citizens’ welfare, including public health protection. She revealed that a confirmed case of COVID-19 had been recorded in Rivers State involving a 53-year-old foreign national who reportedly entered Nigeria on March 17, 2026.
She raised concerns over gaps in surveillance and border health security, urging stronger coordination in line with national outbreak preparedness protocols.
The Senate accordingly urged the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to intensify surveillance, testing, and contact tracing efforts to prevent further spread of the virus.
Lawmakers also called on the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Planning to fast-track the release of emergency health funds and consider activating rapid-response financing mechanisms to support containment efforts.
In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau commended the motion, stressing the importance of proactive health security measures. He reiterated the need for strengthened surveillance systems, timely diagnostics, and improved coordination across federal and state health institutions.
The Senate further urged government agencies to reinforce sub-national outbreak preparedness structures, improve funding for health emergencies, and ensure the availability of essential medical supplies and rapid response capacity nationwide.
